 Kiah Hartcourt ready to start her shift at Kroger in Mt. Orab.
Kiah Hartcourt is a homeschool graduate from Mt. Orab, Ohio. The Brown County Board of Developmental Disabilities referred her to OOD in October 2016. Kiah had recently turned 16 and was looking for independence and responsibility when she landed a job at Kroger.
The team at Kroger was excited to hire Kiah, and they thought she might benefit from additional support.
Lori Case, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, started working with Kiah on this goal. They developed an Individualized Plan for Employment that included job coaching and assistive technology, specifically noise-cancelling headset to block out loud noises when needed.
Kenneth Kapaun, Planning and Opportunity Coordinator from Grow, Inc. helped Kiah with the on-boarding process, computer-based training, and coaching.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, Kenneth again worked with Kiah on the changes occurring at Kroger. He taught her how to use personal protective equipment and safely navigate customers coming into the store. “At first, Kiah was uncomfortable with wearing gloves and a mask, but once she understood the importance, she became a model for other baggers,” said Kenneth. “Kiah is here on the frontlines, focused, and ready to help.”
“Kiah has grown so much since the first day I met her,” said Lori. “She is now 20, has become more confident, takes pride in her work, and strives to please both her customers and managers.”
“I like earning a paycheck and socializing with coworkers and customers. I also love the stability that the job and routine bring to my life,” Kiah said.
If you have a disability and would like to work, visit www.oodworks.com.
 Stephen Lee at work at the DHL Distribution Center.
Stephen Lee of Columbus, who is 64 and on the autism spectrum, began working with Kris Hausser, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, in June 2019. When they met, Stephen had been working at ARC Industries East for 14 years. Stephen’s goal was to find part-time employment in the community.
Stephen receives services through the Employment First Partnership between OOD and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Employment First provides intensive supports to help adults with developmental disabilities successfully transition to competitive work in the community.
In September 2019, Stephen toured the adult Project SEARCH program at DHL, a collaboration with OOD, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (FCBDD), ARC Industries, and additional businesses, including DSW and Build-a-Bear. “After the tour, Stephen knew he could work successfully at DHL and also enjoy it,” said Amanda Lee, Service Coordinator with FCBDD. While in the training program, Stephen learned to work safely in a warehouse setting and maintain the pace needed for distribution center work.
ARC Industries provided Stephen with job readiness training and support. With help from Tim Noble, Community Specialist and Job Coach, Stephen learned how to bundle and package products, navigate an online schedule, and use the time clock. Tim said, “Steve is an all-around awesome guy and a hard worker who has overcome a lot of obstacles.”
“He has a very positive attitude,” said Rebecca Ackerman, Program Coordinator for Project SEARCH. “He is a team player and always works hard.” When he completed the program in March 2020, DHL offered Stephen a permanent position. He now works part-time for DHL, which distributes food, medical supplies, skincare products, and more.
Recently, a coworker nominated Stephen for an award because of his positive attitude, and he was awarded during a monthly meeting. “We are all so proud of him and the great job he is doing for DHL,” said Kris.
When asked how he felt about his job, Stephen replied, “I think this is the best job I’ve ever had.”
If you have a disability and want to work, visit www.oodworks.com.
 If you have a disability and want to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit www.OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.
OOD Director Kevin Miller returns to the OOD Works Podcast to chat about the agency’s response to coronavirus. Tune in to episode 16 wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.
For trusted information on coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ohio, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634). Be sure to check frequently for new resources. Recent additions include New Responsible RestartOhio Opening Dates, Cloth Masks/Face Coverings in the Workplace, Sector Specific Operating Requirements, and Advisory Groups.
Apple recently announced it is rolling out extra help for people with disabilities:
- Dedicated support team to address accessibility questions
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Website dedicated to accessibility features
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Videos focused on using accessibility features
- One-on-one virtual coaching for students with disabilities and their parents
Find out more by reading an article by CNN.
The Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov website includes a dedicated webpage with a collection of the most recent news releases from Governor DeWine, the Ohio Department of Health, and slides used in COVID-19 Daily Briefings by Governor DeWine and Amy Acton, MD, MPH, Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Also included on this page are a selection of curated news stories about COVID-19.
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